Hamas faces requirement to dismantle its extensive tunnel network under proposed disarmament plan presented by U.S. President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace.
This eight-month timeline begins with Palestinian technocrats taking control of Gaza’s security, concluding when Israeli forces withdraw after verifying Gaza is free of weapons.
Disarmament remains a key obstacle in implementing Trump’s Gaza peace initiative and securing an October ceasefire that ended two years of full-scale conflict.
Hamas has consistently refused calls to relinquish its weaponry, believed largely stored in tunnels under Gaza.
The plan, first reported by Al Jazeera and confirmed by Palestinian officials, includes a 12-point document titled “Steps to Complete the Implementation of Trump’s Comprehensive Peace Plan for Gaza,” along with a five-stage timeline for Hamas to surrender arms over eight months.
All armed factions in Gaza would participate in disarmament overseen by Palestinian technocrats, known as the National Committee for Administration of Gaza (NCAG), under a principle of one authority, one law, and one weapon. The Weapons Collection Verification Committee, set up by Board of Peace lead envoy Nickolay Mladenov, will verify disarmament.
Reconstruction would only be allowed in demilitarized areas. The plan does not mention Palestinian statehood or independence but is being studied by Hamas officials.
On Thursday, three Palestinian factions including Islamic Jihad criticized the plan for prioritizing disarmament over reconstruction and Israeli military withdrawals.